Socio-Economic Impasse

We live in a capitalist society

Constant growth is promoted in our society and we view the environment as a resource that we can use in our economic system.

After Oil

In After Oil from Szeman and the Petrocultures Research Group (2016) it is shared how "there is an intrinsic link between justice struggles and energy transition" (p. 35). Those often the most affected by climate change impasse are those who struggle socio-economically. Typically, this impasse does not come as a choice but as a financial restraint. "Higher energy prices have contributed to painfully high inflation" (IEA, n.d.). These higher energy prices snowball into energy insecurity.

Energy Insecurity

In the 2023 resource Energy insecurity and health: America's hiddenhardship, Diana Hernandez describes the realities of energy insecurity and what it means for the energy stories of our most vulnerable communities.

Hernandez (2023) describes energy insecurity as "a consequence of high energy bills relative to low income." When low-income families need to prioritize their resources for energy bills, fewer resources remain available for other "basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, child care, medical expenses, digital access, and transportation" (Hernandez, 2023).

Energy Insecurity And Health: America’s Hidden Hardship | Health Affairs Brief Energy insecurity can have important implications for health and health equity. Many long-standing programs to address energy insecurity need to be refreshed in light of climate change, the recognition of unacceptable disparities, and the impending transition to clean energy.

Those living in poverty often don't have efficient energy systems in their homes (Hernandez, 2023). This means that a typical task, such as using the washing machine, will use more energy and cost more in energy than a house that has a more efficient energy system. BIC Magazine (2025) shares that renewable sources of energy, such as solar panels, often require a large investment (up to two-thirds) up front. Those who are already living with energy insecurity do not have the funds to update their energy systems, let alone consider renewable sources.

This is the vicious cycle of socio-economic energy impasse. Hernandez (2023) explains this cycle well with the quote "the drive to decarbonize in response to climate change adds further economic stress, as the costs of retrofitting homes, upgrading appliances, and installing rooftop solar panels are often prohibitive for the poor."

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